TITLE: United Kingdom Establishes Illegal Gambling Taskforce to Address Unlawful Operator Activity
BODY:
On May 13, 2026, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published the terms of reference for the Illegal Gambling Taskforce, a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to combat illegal gambling in the United Kingdom.
The taskforce will operate for 12 months, meeting at least twice annually, with three sub-groups addressing specific challenges: preventing or reducing payments to and from illegal gambling operators; tackling online advertising of illegal gambling; and improving cross-agency collaboration and enforcement regarding illegal remote and land-based gambling. The sub-groups will meet at least quarterly to inform the main taskforce meetings.
Chaired by the Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling, with DCMS's Director of Sport and Gambling serving as co-chair, the taskforce will comprise experts and industry participants from gambling operators, technology platforms, payment providers, the Gambling Commission, other regulators, government departments, and trade bodies. Specific member names will not be published. The taskforce will not direct or intervene in operational matters performed by the Gambling Commission. Members must commit to proactive participation, including attending meetings, contributing to sub-groups, and supporting non-legislative solutions regarding advertising and payment services within their organisations. The DCMS Secretariat will manage logistics, arrange meetings, circulate papers at least three working days in advance, and issue minutes within seven working days. Meetings will operate under the Chatham House rule.
The taskforce's remit may evolve as priorities are identified, with changes agreed by members in conjunction with the Minister, Deputy Chair, and Secretariat. After 12 months, the taskforce's remit and membership will be reviewed and renewed if necessary.
REFERENCE:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/illegal-gambling-taskforce-terms-of-reference